The petitioner argues that the videos with music and dance compromise the sanctity of the mosque
The Islamabad High Court has issued notices to the respondents, including the in-charge of the Faisal Mosque, seeking their response to a petition seeking a ban on entering the mosque in inappropriate clothing and filming videos of dancing and music inside the premises.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition on Monday, filed by citizen Musharraf Zain. The petitioner, accompanied by his lawyer, appeared in court.
Justice Tahir sought response on the petition from Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, CDA Chairman, Ministry of Religious Affairs, President International Islamic University, IG Islamabad and Heritage Office.
The petition maintained that numerous videos circulating on social media show people recording indecent content inside the mosque premises.
It argued that videos featuring music and dance compromise the sanctity and dignity of the mosque, while filming such contents semi-nude or in inappropriate clothing constitutes a violation of the sanctity of the mosque and contravenes the right to religious freedom guaranteed by Article 20 of the Constitution.
The petitioner further stated that formal written complaints had been made to the mosque in-charge, the deputy commissioner of Islamabad and the CDA chairman, but no action had been taken.
Similar complaints were also sent to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the president of the International Islamic University and the IG Islamabad Police.
The petition asked the court to prohibit people wearing indecent or inappropriate clothing from entering the mosque, and to prohibit the recording of videos featuring music and dancing inside the premises.
During the proceedings, Justice Tahir asked the petitioner’s lawyer: “To whom should the court give directions in this matter?” The lawyer responded that the head of the mosque and other relevant officials had been declared defendants in the case.
The court subsequently sent notices to all respondents, sought their written responses, and adjourned the hearing.
